Redefining the Road Edition 1 2022

Edition 1 | 2022

INSIDE...

Female Truck Drivers: Independent, Fierce

Be the Architect of

A Snapshot of Accelerate! 2021

The Future for Women in

Autonomous Trucking

WITney Now Runs on America’s Roads

A NEW ERA OF CLASS

™

Introducing Peterbilt’s New Model 579, born from a relentless focus to increase fuel economy and take driver comfort to new heights. The New Model 579 delivers up to a 7% improvement in fuel economy, and features innovative technologies like a new 15-inch digital dash display and integrated PACCAR Powertrain to deliver superior performance and maximize uptime.

The New Model 579. A New Era of Class.

Text

Congratulations to Amy Wettstein, Schneider Regional Vice President of Truckload Operations, on being named a 2022 Top Woman to Watch in Transportation.

Women working in male-dominated industries sometimes need a little extra encouragement to break out of their comfort zone and overcome the obstacles they encounter in their career. Being a female leader is rewarding because it allows me to be a role model for other women in the workforce and provide guidance to help them thrive in their careers.

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At Triumph Business Capital, we are committed to providing support and solutions for women-owned and women-led transportation companies. As a leading provider of factoring services, we join in Women in Trucking’s mission to foster greater leadership opportunities for women, both as an employer, and as partners in the larger transportation community.

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www.invoicefactoring.com

Inside this issue EDITION 1 | 2022 Published for: Women In Trucking Association P.O. Box 400 Plover, WI 54467-0400 USA Phone: 1-888-464-9482 www.WomenInTrucking.org Published by: MindShare Strategies, Inc. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Billing Address: MindShare Strategies, Inc., P.O. Box 843 Springfield, TN 37172 Group Editorial Director and Publisher: Brian Everett, ABC 952-442-8850 x201 brian@WomenInTrucking.org Production Manager: Cassidy Haley 952-442-8850 x215 cassidy@WomenInTrucking.org Editorial Content This Edition: Karen Kroll Faith Boone Courtney Bloom Cassidy Haley Brian Everett Carleen Herndon Conrad Winter Advertising Sales: Carleen Herndon 1-888-464-9482 carleen@WomenInTrucking.org

COVER STORY 8

Be the Architect of Your Brand

MESSAGES 4

Your Voice in Washington

FEATURE STORIES 11

“Resilience, Mentoring, and a Whole Lot More” (Stories of Influential Woman in Trucking Finalists)

13

Female Truck Drivers: Independent, Fierce, Controlling their Destiny

16

High-Achieving Women (2022 Top Women to Watch in Transportation)

34

The Future for Women in Autonomous Trucking

WIT NEWS 6

WITney: Now Running on America’s Road

7

WIT Launches Professional Driver Website

36

Drivers: Join us at MATS to Celebrate You

40

Snapshot of WIT 2021 Accelerate Conference in November

42

Choose the Format You’d Like to Receive Redefining the Road

43

Spotlight on Driver Safety and Harassment Issues

44

WIT Partners

44

WIT Calendar of Events

44

Buyer’s Guide

Design/Production Managers: Todd Pernsteiner 952-841-1111 todd@pernsteiner.com Amy Pinkston amy@pernsteiner.com Accounting/Administration/Circulation: Karen Everett 952-442-8850 x203 karen@WomenInTrucking.org

© 2022 MindShare Strategies, Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of MindShare Strategies, Inc., nor the Women In Trucking Association. Printed in USA.

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GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

Your Voice in Washington One of the goals of the WIT Board of Directors is for the association to be a resource. This not only includes providing information and data to our members, but it means sharing our mission with people who have the power to create or influence change.

Ellen Voie, CAE, President & CEO Women In Trucking Association, Inc.

™

Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has recently been invited to two White House events to explore ways to bring more women into the trucking industry. This is only the beginning, however, as the recently passed Infrastructure Bill included another chance to have a voice in Washington, DC. On Dec. 16, I was invited to attend a “listening session” at the White House hosted by Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, and White House National Economic Council Director Brian Deese. There were 17 executives at the event, where each participant was given the opportunity to share their challenges and solutions regarding the unmet need for professional drivers. I spoke about challenges female drivers face, as well as the progress we’ve made in increasing the numbers of women in the industry.

On Jan. 13, I was invited to a virtual roundtable discussion hosted by the BidenHarris White House Gender Policy Council.

I was able to provide a list of influential women who were included in the invitation for the one-hour event. There were about 35 women from various companies, including seven of our WIT Image Team members. We felt it was important for professional drivers to have a voice in the conversation. The session extended to 90 minutes so everyone could offer their insight.

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In the near future, the Women In Trucking Advisory Committee at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration should be announced. This was introduced in a bi-partisan bill and was included in the Infrastructure legislation signed

by President Biden in December. This committee will include eight individuals representing motor carriers and trucking industry associations, as well as a trucking trade school.

We have invited the new FMCSA Administrator-Elect, Robin Hutcheson, to go on a ride-along with one of our Image Team members and she has accepted. This will help to educate her on what it’s like for a female professional driver and issues she faces on the road. We will be sure to keep you apprised when the trip has been scheduled.

As we gain influence in Washington, DC, our goal is to educate, not to lobby for more regulations that affect our industry. We welcome YOUR comments and insight on how we can advance our mission to increase the ranks of women in trucking careers.

We will carry your voice to those who have the power to create or influence change on gender diversity issues in transportation.

Our Ladies Are Leading The Trucking Industry!

From our professional drivers to our exceptional office team, the women of TNI drive our business.

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FEATURE: WITney on the Road

WITney: Now Running On America’s Roads It was a beautiful November morning last fall in downtown Dallas.

More than 50 members of the local press, along with transportation professionals, gathered to celebrate the unveiling of WIT’s new Driver Ambassador trailer.

In February of 2020, WIT launched its Driver Ambassador program to help raise awareness of the non-profit’s mission for more gender diversity in the industry. Kellylynn McLaughlin, a professional overthe-road CMV Driver and Training Engineer for Schneider National, is WIT’s official Driver Ambassador. As part of her responsibilities, she provides interviews with the media and speaks at events to raise awareness of the importance of gender diversity in transportation.

Workwear, Arrow Truck Sales, Bolt Custom, Michelin North America, Thermo King Midwest, Turbo Images Inc, Blue Beacon, Great Dane, Juno Jones Shoes, Koester Body & Frame Shop, Patriot Lift Company, SAF-Holland, Safety4Her, TVC Pro-Driver, and ZF Group. To learn about sponsorship opportunities with the Driver Ambassador trailer or to have WIT Driver Ambassador Kellylynn McLaughlin speak at your organization or event, visit womenintrucking.org. n

Now rolling out the next phase of the program, McLaughlin travels the country in the WITbranded trailer aptly named WITney, which pays homage to the association through use of its acronym. The trailer is an educational mobile unit that educates people on professional truck driving careers and features personal success stories from female drivers. Visitors also can experience a state-of-the-art driver simulator and check out a display of women’s industry uniforms.

“It’s a powerful and very visible symbol of what women have to offer the freight industry,” says McLaughlin. “I am so proud to haul it.”

Numerous sponsors have helped bring the trailer to life, including ATS, FedEx Freight, Schneider, Walmart, 3M, Cummins, Dovetail

WITney is an educational mobile unit with interactive kiosks that quiz visitors on their knowledge of trucking and educates them about careers in the industry.

Professional drivers who are on the WIT Image Team pose next to WITney at her unveiling in downtown Dallas during the WIT Accelerate! Conference last November.

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FEATURE: Professional Driver Hub

WIT Launches Professional Driver Hub Jennifer is a millennial seeking answers about what it takes to become a professional driver as she considers career options. Nancy is a seasoned driver looking to network with other drivers for help on how to improve life and habits on the road. But, where can these women find a network and resources unique to the needs and lifestyle of women truck drivers?

CEO. “With a significant percentage of our members being professional drivers, this is a tremendous new way to provide value to professional drivers.”

Now they can find it all through the newly launched WIT Professional Driver Hub by the Women In Trucking Association. It’s an online resource and community rich in written and video content and connections geared specifically to the needs of female drivers.

The driver platform features the following:

“There’s a lot of information out there for drivers, but it’s fragmented, sometimes difficult to find, usually not designed for the unique interests or needs of female drivers,” says Ellen Voie, WIT President and

The WIT Professional Driver Hub is available to members and non-members, although Voie believes the new platform will be an excellent way for WIT to engage new driver members.

Got What it Takes?

Those interested can find out if a career as a professional driver is right for them through a “Fact or Fiction” Quiz on myths and misconceptions about trucking, a “Driver DNA Test,” and testimonials by many women drivers about their life on the road.

Getting Started.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and issues are highlighted, such as steps to become a driver, what’s involved in earning

a CDL, and how do you choose the right driving school for your needs.

Career Center.

Includes job postings, information for those seeking new careers and job alerts.

Connect with Others.

Highlights ways professional drivers can interact with other drivers through the WIT Driver Facebook Group, the Engage Members-Only Site, the LeadHERtrucking Mentorship Program, and live events.

Life on the Road.

Perspectives on the day-to-day life as a professional driver through videos, articles, podcasts, and HERstories from other drivers.

Tips & Tricks.

Useful hacks for professional drivers to be safe and productive on the road while leading a healthy balance between work and personal lives. n

WIT recently launched its Professional Driver Hub, a comprehensive online resource and community rich in written and video content and connections geared specifically to the needs of female drivers. http://www.womenintrucking.org/professional-driver

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COVER STORY: Your Personal Brand

How to Create and Manage

Lisa Orrell, keynote speaker at the Women In Trucking Accelerate!

Conference

Whether you’re even conscious of it or not, everybody has a “personal brand” — including you.

It’s what people think when they hear your name. It’s what your work colleagues ultimately think of you and say about you during conversations in meetings or the break room. It’s what pops up on your social media platforms or when someone searches for you.

It’s absolutely critical to develop and manage your personal brand strategically and build one that helps advance your career and your life, according to Lisa Orrell, keynote speaker at the Women In Trucking Accelerate! Conference in Dallas last November. “When done effectively, a strong personal brand leads to new

opportunities and connections that can change your life,” she says.

“You need to think of yourself as a personal brand,” says Orrell. “You create your brand and manage it every single day – whether it’s a conscious, intentional mindset or whether you’re not even consciously doing it. And keep in mind that if you’re not intentionally creating your personal brand, you’re allowing others to do it for you.”

Think of it as what people say and think about you. It encapsulates your talents and who you are. It’s how you can differentiate yourself from others. Your brand is both what you stand for - and what you do. continued on page 10

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Five Proven Steps to Build Your Brand Developing your personal brand requires you to be introspective and intentional in your thinking. And also remember that your personal brand of today can change as your goals and personal life shifts. It can be very fluid.

“Every single time you come in contact with someone, your personal brand is strengthened or weakened. Manage it constantly,” reminds Orrell.

Keep these five critical steps in mind as you build your personal brand:

1 2 3 4 5

Figure out who you are and what you want to accomplish. Because your personal brand needs to be an honest reflection of who you are, your career interests and skill sets. It is absolutely critical that you carefully think about this. Ask yourself these questions: What am I passionate about? What drives me? What do I get excited about (and what drains me)? Where do I want to be at the end of my career?

If you aren’t sure about the answers to these questions, seek out perspectives from friends, family, coworkers and mentors. They can see you in a way you can’t view yourself.

Define what makes you unique. People remember those who stand out. That’s why you will want to develop your own unique value proposition. It’s a short, concise statement that encapsulates what you offer that no one else does – and will help you to better understand your strengths and how to talk about these strengths. “But it’s not an ego thing,” says Orrell. It’s a smart business career move.”

Optimize your social profiles and personal website. LinkedIn is the optimal social platform for careers and business. As you think about your personal brand, make sure to complete all sections of your profile that reflects your unique value proposition and your personal brand. Get endorsements and recommendations from your colleagues, clients, and mentors. Add skills strategically and use a professional headshot. Adjust similar steps to accommodate your Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok accounts. And if you don’t have a personal website, consider doing so.

Become a thought leader. Make all the content you post genuinely helpful and insightful. Become a trusted authority in your space. Make sure to cover all types of content, such as articles you write, content you share on a personal blog or website, and videos you create. “As you achieve greater visibility with your organization or within your industry, you can then become known as a thought leader or subject matter expert on certain topics that you’re passionate about.

Build your community. Lastly, determine who are critical influencers who can have an impact on your personal brand. They can be current and past supervisors, work colleagues on your team or in other departments, mentors, and those who provide products and services to your organization. You can build your own community and network through social media engagement, meet-ups, webinars or other online networking groups, and by attending industry events such as the Women In Trucking Accelerate! Conference & Expo.

“Be aware that people are watching what you say and what you don’t say. What you do and don’t do,” concludes Orrell. “Your next opportunities and indeed your reputation will be impacted by the actions and decisions you make day to day, every day.”

Make sure you not only effectively develop your personal brand but that you continue to manage it.

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COVER STORY: Your Personal Brand

continued from page 8

The Personal Brand and Why It Matters Most people think of businesses when they think of a brand, but all individuals also have a brand.

Think of just a few of the iconic brands in transportation, such as FedEx, Daimler, PACCAR, Volvo, Yellow, Ryder, Penske, Landstar, C.H. Robinson, XPO. Yes, they all sell services or products. But they also represent certain values and conjure various emotions.

Start thinking of your personal brand in the same way. The best personal brands are unique, authentic, trustworthy, and memorable. They build a strong reputation about you that can help you both personally and professionally.

“Much of building a personal brand is common sense but that doesn’t always mean common practice,” warns Orrell. “As you develop and manage your personal brand, you need to be consistent and live it daily.”

Since your personal brand captures who you are and what skill sets you bring to the table, it helps you to make critical connections and can lead to new opportunities in your career. n

Congratulations

Hayley Dobson!

Trinity Logistics congratulates Hayley Dobson, Group Vice President, for being named a “2022 Top Woman to Watch in Transportation” by WIT’s Redefining the Road. You inspire us all to do better each and every day!

trinitylogistics.com

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Known globally as “The Chief of Change,” Lisa Orrell gave her keynote on how to develop your personal brand – which is ultra-critical for women in this industry.

FEATURE: Influential Women in Transportation

Making it Happen as a Woman of Influence in Transportation:

“Resilience, Mentoring, and a Whole Lot More”

From left to right: finalist Eileen Dabrowski, finalist Amanda Schuier, WIT President and CEO Ellen Voie, and the 2021 Infuential Woman in Trucking, Lily Ley.

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) recognized Lily Ley as the 2021 Influential Woman in Trucking. This is the 11th year for the award, which was developed in 2010 as a way to recognize female leaders and to attract and advance women in the trucking industry. Here’s her story, along with the two other impressive finalists.

Lily Ley has come a long way from her humble beginning in Mexico. The oldest of five children growing up in a two-room home, she was the first in her family to earn a college degree. Her father was a hardworking taxi driver and early on she learned a strong work ethic from him.

After she graduated from CETYS Universidad, she worked through a series of programmer and systems development roles at Kenworth Mexicana, one of the larger employers in her area. At a point early in her life she realized the need to move to the United States to elevate herself to the next level in her career. Fast forward more than 30 years later: Ley has navigated a very successful career at PACCAR advancing through the Informational Technology Divisions at Kenworth Truck Co. in Kirkland,

Wash., and PACCAR in Renton, Wash, and ultimately being promoted to Chief Information Officer. She was the first female to rise to the Executive Operating Committee at PACCAR. In addition, she is the executive sponsor for the PACCAR Women’s Association (PWA) which was formed based on her vision. Ley is passionate and will not accept “no” for an answer helping the company drive change within the organization.

Ley attributes resiliency as a key characteristic to her success in her career – and in life. “What I learned early in life gave me the ability to go beyond every challenge,” says Ley. “It gave me a foundation of fundamentals for what I do today. I see everything from different perspectives and I’m able to adjust to continued on page 12

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FEATURE: Influential Women in Transportation

continued from page 11

special circumstances.” Her resiliency was tested even further, she says, when she was diagnosed with brain cancer twice – and survived.

“Sometimes you just need to pause when it’s needed,” she advises. “Take a moment, reflect on your purpose.”

Ley suggests that in those times, mentors can be of significant benefit: “There have

been people who have helped me along the way to become a better person and professional. You also need to have a sponsor, someone who will advocate for you in the company. When they are making decisions about succession planning, you want to make sure to have a sponsor there who knows about your aspirations and can advocate for you.”

When asked some of the most defining moments in her life, Ley cited her decision with her family to move to the United

States early in her life. In addition, when she became mother to two daughters.

Oh, in 2011 she also just happened to successfully climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world “because I wanted to conquer my fear of heights.”

It’s no wonder why this innovative, driven woman was named WIT’s Influential Woman in Trucking in 2021. n

Meet the Finalists: Eileen Dabrowski and Amanda Schuier Eileen Dabrowski proudly calls herself a “triple Bull,” referencing the mascot at her alma mater, the University of South Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Women and Gender Studies, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.

“Never in a million years did I think of a career in transportation,” says Eileen Dabrowski, Director of Learning, Development and Marketing at ReedTMS Logistics, a family-owned and operated asset-based third-party logistics solutions provider. But once she learned from one of the company owners during an interview about the industry and the position she was apply for, “coming into this industry was one of the best decisions of my life,” she says.

Eileen Dabrowski

Dabrowski now oversees the development and facilitation of all company-wide training programs, new employee onboarding, leadership development, marketing projects/ReedTMS brand integrity, and event planning for the company.

She also spearheads company philanthropy initiatives and works hard to maintain and improve employee culture and morale.

Dabrowski believes in mentorship and women taking the time to build each other up, not down. She is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and believes for the trucking industry to be more supportive and inclusive for all, you must teach children about trucking and work with organizations like WIT to collaborate and showcase the women and minorities who are crucial to the success of the industry.

Dabrowski talks about how she has a unique perspective on life: “Challenges and barriers don’t phase me. When things implode around me, I keep it together and just figure things out.” She suggests that this perspective was developed from an experience early in life.

“I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer at the young age of 21,” she says. “They said I had only a few months to live. They placed me in some support groups with people who were 85 and 72, and 12 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2022

they had lived their lives, had their families, and were making peace with their prognosis. And I’m like ‘I’m not ready to die!’” A cancer survivor who is a strong woman and business leader, she says “it’s all about balance and self-care.

Take what life has given you and make the most of what you can.

Every day.”

Amanda Schuier

Amanda Schuier is a fourthgeneration trucking industry member, and the first female in her family to hold such a role. Until recently she was Chief Operating Officer of Quality Transport Co. Yet, being in transportation was not her initial plan for her career.

“My grandfather owned a Mac truck dealership and I was around trucks growing up,” Schuier recalls. “But never did I think as a child ‘I want to go into trucking.’” She earned her college degree in advertising and public relations from Creighton University.

When she was laid off by a marketing firm in Kansas City, she found a marketing job at a PACCAR dealership without much forethought that she was entering into the industry of her family roots.

“At this job there was a corporate entity upstairs and a dealership downstairs,” she recalls. “And I quickly realized I wanted to be downstairs because that’s where so much of the action was.

That’s how I fell into this.” Since then, she has held positions involving marketing, sales, driver recruitment and operations at the dealer, supplier and fleet levels. Her role as Chief Operating Officer at Quality Transport included oversight of sales, dispatch, driver relations, safety programs and new technology initiatives.

“Never stop learning,” she advises. “Ask questions. Ask for help.

Find mentors and pursue your passions. Remember that there are so many women out there who have been through what you’ve been through – so never feel timid to bounce ideas off others.”

There’s no question that she is passionate about mentoring other young women as they explore careers in transportation.

The 2021 WIT Influential Woman in Trucking Award was sponsored by Freightliner Trucks.

FEATURE: Female Truck Drivers

Female Truck Drivers: Independent, Fierce, Controlling Their Destiny There’s a story behind every woman sitting in the driver’s seat of a truck. Whether it be how their background brought them to the transportation industry or the purpose they feel they serve as a driver, their journeys are inspirational and a much-needed motivation boost for the next generation.

Take a look at the stories from these female drivers that show how dedication and determination are essential when reaching for your dreams.

Liz Imel

Reinventing Your Career After learning how to drive tractors at the age of five, Liz Imel grew up to become an over-the-road professional driver for Maverick Transportation in Little Rock, Ark. Growing up on a farm and working with big trucks as a teenager encouraged her to stick with her first love.

Imel spent seven years in a farm repair shop and then worked for a hardware manufacturer for over a decade. When the company closed due to foreign trade, she refocused her life on professional truck driving. With her daughters fully grown, she saw an opportunity to take her severance from her last company and go back to school to earn her CDL.

Jazmin Vasquez

Going Electric Based in California, Jazmin Vasquez is a professional driver for NFI Industries and entered the profession following in the footsteps of her father and brother – both of whom are truck drivers. She began hauling freight over-the-road in 2019 and enjoys the chance to see new parts of the country.

Vasquez is one of few female drivers willing to operate an electric heavy-duty truck. She drives a Kalmar Ottawa electric terminal tractor that provides less noise and fumes than

As a driver for Maverick, Imel spent the first seven years driving a refrigerated truck for the company. Today, she hauls boats and still enjoys her line of work. She loves seeing the country and getting a good workout in when unloading. She is proud to be in her career, and is more optimistic these days about the public’s view on self-motivated women that want to join the industry and start a great career.

“One good thing that came out of this pandemic is that the general public has a newfound respect for professional truck drivers,” Imel says. “I challenge every driver to maintain and keep that respect by being true professionals out there— while driving and parked!”

diesel trucks. Vasquez is proud to be a driver that focuses on lessening harm to the environment. Her contribution to healthier air quality is linked back to creating a livable climate for her young relatives growing up, and future generations. She is looking forward to the next innovations for electric trucks and is ready for faster chargers that will be lighter and easier for women to move.

Vasquez is a proponent for more women joining the industry and encourages them to stay away from thinking it’s not a possibility for females to thrive as drivers.

continued on page 14

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FEATURE: Female Truck Drivers continued from page 13

Carina BeeBe

Seeing the World Carina BeeBe, a professional driver for Wilson Logistics, is an example of a female driver dedicated to her dream of driving and seeing the world. BeeBe started her career in 1999 as a professional driver in Europe operating a curtain van in Holland, Belgium, and Germany. A couple of years later, she moved on to refrigerated trailers in Scotland and the United Kingdom. Imagine driving on the left side of the road delivering flowers and plants across Italy, Austria, France, and many other European countries. It was a different experience than the one she would have in the United States.

Before coming to the U.S., she moved to Canada in 2011 to live out her dream of seeing a new part of the world and

Melissa Bencivengo

Go For It! Melissa Bencivengo is a professional driver with Carbon Express and fell in love with trucks at the early age of six. She had an uncle who drove trucks, and he always let her take a look at it when he stopped by her family’s home. When she grew up and was able to consider for herself a career as a driver, she was often met with opposition and was told operating heavy machines was not a job for a woman.

Despite the discouragement, she held true to her desires and her enthusiasm for trucking allowed her to start her career as a driver in 1999.

Bencivengo started off driving dump trucks, and found herself operating well rigs and pile drivers as well. Eventually, she earned her CDL Class A license and joined Carbon Express

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driving a conventional-style Peterbilt.

She spent her time hauling lumber and oversized loads before she found herself in Montana. She still crossed the border often, continuing to drive oversized flatbeds to Canada and Alaska.

She also found herself working a dedicated route for Walmart, and soon after started her own transportation company delivering RV’s across North America.

In 2018, BeeBe took note of her desire to get back behind the wheel driving over-the-road in big trucks. She started her career with Wilson Logistics and has since become a CDL instructor. She is also still driving as one of Wilson’s crossborder drivers between the U.S. and Canada, except now she has her canine companion by her side on every ride.

in 2019. Even with the many changes that came with life, including becoming a mother of six and a certified nurse’s aide, nothing stopped her from driving trucks. She is dedicated to loving her family and staying on the road.

Bencivengo never let negativity or pessimism get to her when it came to driving trucks. She is one of few women in the industry driving liquid bulk trucks and says the best way to operate her vehicle is to control the tanker and not let fear get in the way. Though she may be in a male-dominated field, she refuses to be discouraged. She feels lucky to have male co-workers that show her respect and support, and has seen firsthand that it is possible for women to thrive in their careers as truck drivers. All it takes is a little grit and perseverance.

ECT RESPECT RESPECT RESPECT RESPECT Text ORK TEAMWORK TEAMWORK TEAMWORK ONE GREAT BITION AMBITION AMBITION AMBITION AM COMPANY. TY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFET TOP SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE VICE TWO SERVICE WOMEN TO WATCH. GRITY INTEGRITY INTEGRITY INTEGRITY IN ECT RESPECT RESPECT RESPECT RESPECT THREE SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSTEAMWORK UNITS. ORK TEAMWORK TEAMWORK RAQUEL VALLE BITION AMBITION AMBITION AMBITION AM VICE PRESIDENT OF P E O P L E A N D C U LT U R E TY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFET attracts SERVICE and retains VICE VENTURE SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE strong leadership while providing themINTEGRITY a path for growth. RaquelINTEGRITY and GRITY INTEGRITY IN Julia are two leaders nominated by their peers for their hard work ECT RESPECT RESPECT RESPECT RESPECT and dedication to driving Venture forward. Congratulations Raquel ORK TEAMWORK TEAMWORK and Julia for being selected TEAMWORK as Top Women to Watch in Transportation!

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COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch

High-

Achieving

Women

Self-confident, self-reliant, self-managed. Yet also a team player (or leader). These are just some of the most common traits of a successful woman in transportation, according to common characteristics of 84 individuals named to the 2022 Top Women to Watch list.

Check out the stories and success highlights of each individual named to this prestigious list.

NONA LARSON, Director of Customer Service, PACCAR Parts Nona Larson is responsible for providing 24/7 parts and service support for Kenworth and Peterbilt dealers and customers. Before her recent promotion, Larson was Director of Engineering, where she and her team handled the service part strategy for Kenworth and Peterbilt heavy-duty and medium-duty truck programs.

The team also rolled out new fleet tools to provide focused part support for dedicated fleets. She has spent most of her career in engineering leadership roles and has advocated for women entering the industry, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and management roles.

Larson has been in transportation for 34 years, beginning in aerospace where she spent six years at Boeing before joining PACCAR. Once she transitioned from aerospace to trucking, she

realized she could make a real difference encouraging women as they advanced in their careers. Identifying talent in technical areas and helping women establish themselves in their career of choice is an area of focus and personal pride for Larson.

“Nona is a role model to women in the industry and her ability to inspire others is exemplified through her dedication to her job and team members,” a colleague says. “She has set an example by establishing advocacy groups, where women can find support and encouragement. There are so many opportunities for women in the trucking industry and Nona finds it very gratifying to see the percentages of women in the industry increase.”

Larson believes in the power of team building and bringing people together with diverse backgrounds. She also recognizes that avoiding stereotypes when building a team can create opportunities for non-traditional workers, such as women, which contributes to better collaboration and results.

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PAMELA WILDAY, Independent Contractor (Driver), Prime, Inc. Pamela Wilday began driving at Prime in 2015 and exemplifies what it means to be a leader. Since then, she has received the Diamond Service Award at Prime multiple times for years without a service failure and is quickly approaching one million safe driving miles. She also was selected as a member of the Prime Driver Advisory Board. While these are great accomplishments, they don’t even begin to show the full picture of who Wilday is.

“She has a heart of gold and is always looking for ways to lend a helping hand to those in need,” says dispatcher Thomas Long. In Thomas’s own words, “Pamela’s kindness has softened his heart.”

And he’s not alone.

Wilday is currently an Instructor/Trainer at Prime, where she impacts the lives of many women entering the industry. For example, a woman started the training program at Prime and

had a bad experience with her first trainer. Due to this incident, she was ready to leave Prime and search for a career outside of the transportation industry. Our Training Program Manager reached out directly to Wilday and asked if she would be willing to finish the woman’s training. She did that, and much more. She took the woman under her wing, mentoring her on how to be successful in this industry, and life in general. Now, due to the impact Wilday had on her life – she is still driving at Prime years later and is now an instructor/trainer herself.

While many operators in the industry train, Wilday takes it a step further. She acts as a mentor and leader for her students, even after they complete their required training.

JIN STEDGE, Co-Founder and CEO, TrueNorth Transportation Jin Stedge is radically changing what it means to be an independent truck driver. Originally born in Korea, trucking has been in her blood since she was adopted by a family of truckers and came to the United States at the age of seven. Stedge worked on autonomous trucks after graduating from MIT with a degree in aerospace engineering. In 2019, she co-founded TrueNorth with Sanjaya Wijeratne as a carrier and software service that helps independent truckers manage all aspects of their business, from invoice tracking to fuel and insurance and compliance issues.

In an industry historically male populated, TrueNorth is on a mission to be the fleet that is truly for everyone. Today they are proud to have more than a dozen female drivers on board.

Furthermore, 50 percent of employees are female and non-binary

— some of whom are former drivers — including a 70 percent female executive team. TrueNorth is blazing a trail for those who are looking for a new kind of fleet - one in which you are part of that team and not just a number.

Stedge was featured as one of Forbes’ “30 under 30” in late 2020, in recognition of her impact on the trucking and technology industries. She also graduated from the prestigious Y-Combinator startup accelerator in 2020.

Stedge is a proud advocate for women in the trucking industry.

She has worked to build a recruiting pipeline for TrueNorth employees, which pulls from non-traditional backgrounds and emphasizes merit and potential over experience. This has led to a company in which half of the full-time employees are women, a feat that’s a rarity in both the transportation and the technology industries. She also has made a clear choice to foster diversity at the very top of the organization and has worked hard to recruit talented women to lead the company.

www.WomenInTrucking.org 17

CELEBRATING WOMEN WHO REIMAGINE THE ROADMAP TO SUCCESS. Thinking bolder. Bigger. Reimagining how to deliver what matters. And fueling others to reach their full potential. Kelsey Mahay, Ann Marie Manos and Frederique Klein have paid it forward, helping power meaningful careers for women at Navistar and in our industry. We applaud these three exemplary leaders for being recognized as Women in Trucking’s 2022 “Top Women to Watch in Transportation.”

Kelsey Mahay

Ann Marie Manos

Frederique Klein

Dealer Communications Manager

Associate Director, Service Engineering and Serviceability

Director of Finance

Navistar.com 20 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2022

COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch

Top Women to Watch in Transportation The 2022 Top Women to Watch list includes many other note-worthy individuals in addition to Larson , Stedge and Wilday. Highlights of their achievements are included here.

Congratulations to each of these outstanding women!

Jennifer Albers Engineering Manager Yellow Nineteen years with Yellow. Road to Excellence Award winner.

Women’s Inclusion Network member. Active and insightful participant in Women in Action Leadership Program.

Peggy Arnold Road Driver Yellow Twenty-eight years of service.

Finalist for ATA’s America’s Road Ream Captains. 2021 Road to Excellence Award winner. Certified safety driver with more than 1,750,000 safe driving miles and a passion for coaching and supporting drivers.

Georgy Barlow Director of Business Development Strategic Accounts Yellow Two-time 2021 Road to Excellence Award winner. Serves on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Advisory Council. Formed new strategic accounts organization. Visible role model in the Latino community.

Sanya Beard Owner/Principal Melrose Trucking and Transportation Excels in the face of adversity.

Advocate for changing how getting the job done works. Recently expanded fleet from one to three trucks, encouraging her daughter to join the industry.

Jill Bezner-Ray Program Manager Peterbilt Motors Seven roles of increasing responsibility within 11 years.

Launched Speed Mentoring in 2017 and demonstrates passion for championing women in the workplace. Co-chair of Peterbilt Women’s Initiative.

Lisa Black Operations Compliance Manager Aurora Twenty years of experience.

Sits on ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council, Automated and Electric Vehicles Study Group. Development of self-driving technology. Leader of the Cultural Celebrations Employee Resource group.

Congratulations to

Britta Miano

Director of Customer Excellence for being named a 2022 Top Woman to Watch in Transportation.

Thank you for your servant leadership and commitment to excellence!

www.redclassic.com

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COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch

Top Women to Watch in Transportation Elaine Bodnar Professional Driver CFI Twenty-seven student upgrades and 777,932 safe driving miles.

Driver of SheDriveCFI truck, a champion for woman drivers. A passionate and kind trainer who is willing to help anyone excel.

Naomi Brutscher CDL Examiner Prime, Inc. Currently the only female CDL Examiner at Prime. Empowers confidence in female students resulting in a 14 percent increase in women drivers.

Cynthia Chiari Operating Center Manager May Trucking Company Began her career as a truck driver.

Through tireless work and fierce determination she became the company’s first female terminal manager. An advocate for women in and out of the workplace.

Kasey Brough Safety Advisor NAPA Transportation, Inc. Recently promoted to Safety Advisor, a position created specifically for her. Her experience in various roles at NAPA provided a wealth of knowledge that she is more than willing to share.

Navolia Bryant Chief People Officer Premier Trailer Leasing Played vital role in the creation of the “Culture of Care.” Named HR Professional of the Year by the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Founder of a non-profit organization, Training for Excellence. Encouraged efforts for a more gender-diverse executive team.

Sadie Church Director of Recruiting and Marketing Artur Express, Inc. Managed the growth of website traffic, social media reach and ad conversions. Gives her team the tools and support to succeed. Wears her feminism as a badge of honor.

Susan Cagley Transportation Manager, Toyota Operations Carter Logistics Willing to take on many different challenging tasks at various locations and mentor female staff in all levels throughout the company. Helped in the expanding of the brokerage department.

Maria Coley HR Director CFI Catalyst for cultural change in the industry. Championed the organization’s D&I program.

Supports individuals’ professional development to best reach their highest potential.

Ingrid Brown CEO/Independent OwnerOperator/FreightWaves HOST/ FMCSA Voice of Safety Rollin’ B, LLC 42-plus years of safe driving and operating a trucking company. WIT Charter and Inaugural Image Team member. Multiple award winner and the first driver platform show HOST for FreightWavesTV.

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Congratulations

Susan Cagly!

Carter Logistics congratulates Susan Cagly, Transportation Manager, Toyota Operations, for being named a “2022 Top Woman to Watch in Transportation” by WIT’s Redefining the Road. You inspire us all to do better each and every day!

carter-logistics.com

www.WomenInTrucking.org 21

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PACCAR CONGRATULATES THE TOP WOMEN TO WATCH IN TRANSPORTATION PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of premium light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines, provides financial services, information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

PACCAR is a company with a great culture and is dedicated to employee development.

The PACCAR Women’s Association was created to provide resources through education, networking and mentoring to female PACCAR employees to promote equity and support their empowerment to achieve both career and personal success.

As the official sponsor of the 2022 Top Women to Watch in Transportation, PACCAR congratulates the women recognized by Women In Trucking and thanks them for their contribution to the trucking industry.

2022 OFFICIAL SPONSOR 24 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2022

Text

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PACCAR, VISIT US AT: WWW.PACCAR.COM

www.WomenInTrucking.org 25

COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch

Top Women to Watch in Transportation Traci Crane Sr. Manager, Fleet Maintenance CFI Responsible for over-the-road repairs for a fleet of more than 2,000 tractors and 10,000 trailers.

Transformed the Road Service Team into a reliable source of support for drivers.

Melissa Davis Regional Director of Sales Old Dominion Freight Line Winner of the “President’s Award.”

Repeatedly lead her region in attaining expedited services.

Provides exceptional service to customers.

Paige Creo Director of Marketing Maven Machines Brings female leadership and empowerment to her organization. TCA’s Communications and Image Committee. Now mentoring young women.

Lina DeJongh Terminal Manager Trimac Transportation Member of LEAD ATA program.

Progressed from a billing clerk to a terminal manager. Promotes a safe environment for women to feel confident in a male-populated industry.

Bronagh Curley Corporate Services Manager New West Truck Centres (Freightliner, Inc.) Helped company become a Top 100 Fleet Employer of 2021. Member of Trucking HR Canada’s new Transformative Change Group. Voted as a rising star in the CPHR Awards for 2021.

Hayley Dobson Group Vice President Trinity Logistics Integral in leading multiple technology implementations across the company. Lead six regional service centers to a 17 percent load count growth yearover-year. Invests and cares about the success of others and is a trusted leader.

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Alexa Ekberg Product Manager Maven Machines The Maven Workflow software platform was created and released in 2021 due to her diligence and contributions. Provides open, supportive communication while encouraging women to share views and insights.

Betty Elrod Chief Marketing Officer Inflection Poynt Dedicated to communicating the importance of everyone’s ability to work in transportation. Lead an effort to create a Smart Recruiting Platform that helps women find careers within the industry.

Julia Epperly Account Staff Manager Venture Connect Takes the initiative to create a network to support women in trucking within her office. Assisted in putting together a “virtual 5k,” representing the Venture Women’s Network.

Sondra Freeman North America Credit and Collections Manager Trimac Transportation Founded the Trimac Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging Council. A founding member of ATA’s special council, focused on diversity and inclusion efforts in the transportation industry. Makes it her mission to lead by example.

Molly Gibson Senior Digital Media Strategist CDLLife Manages a team of two women, maintaining approximately half a million dollars in monthly revenue across 60 clients. Possesses a unique ability and willingness to engage in ad hoc problem-solving.

Nicole Glenn Founder and President Candor Expedite Multiple award winner. Started the Ladies Leadership Podcast. Doubled revenue in 2021 (a record-breaking year). Developing new services to offer in 2022.

Kasey Brough Thank you for all that you do, Kasey! www.WomenInTrucking.org 25

COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch

Top Women to Watch in Transportation Lindsay Goodman Vice President of National Accounts J.B. Hunt Her leadership skills and expertise helped with the growth and expansion of the sales organization.

Leads the talent initiative of the sales strategy.

Kami Green Manager, Payroll/Accounts Payable John Christner Trucking Made the two departments she manages more accessible to other while maintaining professionalism. Does whatever it takes to get the job done right.

Elizabeth (Liz) Halko Executive Vice President of Operations Proficient Auto Transport, Inc. Instrumental in the creation and implementation of a revolutionary new way to service Car Haul companies. Opened and guided the startup of seven new facilities in six states.

Angela Hargesheimer Group Director, National Accounts Maintenance Operations

Joëlle Jantzen Manager, HR Compliance Yellow Led development and implementation of employee recognition program. Women in Action Leadership Program member. Growing partnership with the Center for Disability Inclusion, and mentor through Guiding Pathways to Success Program. Women’s Inclusion Network member.

Tamar Jimenez Service Center Manager XPO Logistics Coach for her team members, including emerging female employees learning the ins and outs of the transportation industry. Responsible for the entire site, including finance, people management and operations.

This is what the future of transportation looks like.

From the boardroom to the driver’s seat, the women of XPO are paving the road for other women in the industry today and in the future.

Congratulations to our very own 





Tamar Jiménez, Service Center Manager Emily Phillips, Vice President of Advanced Solutions Stacey Woods, Senior Vice President of HR Operations

and all 2022 Women to Watch in Transportation!

Ryder System Played a vital role in expanding customer service strategies across all Ryder locations. Team was instrumental in the development and execution of tools for customers to better manage their fleets and service experience.

Join us and be part of something you’ll feel proud of:

jobs.xpo.com

Amber Henson Account Manager, Operations CFI Recognized as one of the most professional leaders on her team. Assumed role in the new Onboard Communications System Transition for 2,000 CFI drivers.

Jackie Jacobs Sr. Fleet Transaction Analyst and Project Manager Fleet Advantage Achieved Certified Lease and Finance Professional accreditation in 2020.

Featured speaker at the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s 60th Annual Convention.

Known as a model for female leadership and empowerment.

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COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch

Top Women to Watch in Transportation Katerina Jones Vice President, Marketing and Business Development Fleet Advantage Played a significant role in the success of business operations, as she was instrumental in acquiring new highprofile clients.

Foster Kaman Manager, Sales Planning & Support Yellow 2021 Road to Excellence Award winner. Women in Action Leadership Program member. Never sees roadblocks, only opportunities to grow, stretch and overcome obstacles.

Jennifer Karpus-Romain Executive Director Transportation Marketing and Sales Association Recently named the Executive Director of TMSA. Formerly Marketing Committee Chairperson, leading efforts to grow a larger audience and overseeing targeted campaigns for the TMSA annual conference.

Samka Keranovic Vice President and COO US Truck Driver and Training School Implemented a new ERP financial and accounting system (Netsuite). Executed contract negotiation with Fortune 500 companies. Researched and acquired funding sources used for operating capital due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CO N G R AT U L AT I O N S To Ryder’s • Angela Hargesheimer • Yvonne Mauriello

• Veronica Millares • Jennifer Meyer

• Susan Stencel • Kathryn Venis

and all nominees for the 2022 Women in Trucking Top Women to Watch list.

Frederique Klein Director of Finance Navistar Selected to lead the development of Navistar’s internal core leadership principles. Managed $2 billion material cost savings, as well as a $2.2 billion engineering structural cost and a $1.2 billion capital investment.

Alyssa Lamport Operations Manager Yellow Active member in Yellow’s Women’s Inclusion Network.

Increased Outbound Load Average by 20 percent and Delivery Bills per Trip by 20 percent YOY. Nominated and accepted into Yellow’s Operations and Leadership Academy.

Rachel Lovell VP of People Operations Ascend 2019 Recruiter of the Year winner. Main session speaker at the Recruiting and Retention Conference on the future of work. Regularly provides content for webinars for retention with WorkHound.

Caroline Lyle President Driven-Brands Founded go-to blog for supply chain technology marketing pros. Twelve years in marketing leadership roles in transportation and supply chain.

www.WomenInTrucking.org 27

COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch

Top Women to Watch in Transportation Kelsey Mahay Dealer Communications Manager Navistar Heads the communications in entire dealer channel.

Enhanced branding and imagery. Instrumental in annual dealer meeting with presentation developments.

Michelle Mahoney Assistant Director of Operations Carter Express Plays vital role in continuous company growth. ELD Project in 2020-21. Instrumental in staffing and training at Laredo, TX terminal.

Ann Marie Manos Associate Director, Service Engineering and Serviceability Navistar Developed two new teams and a new serviceability initiative. Navistar’s Quality Award winner. Women in Navistar Award winner as a woman of influence.

Yvonne Mauriello Senior Director of Rental Ryder System Responsible for more than 100 employees. Grew business by double digits. President of a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative, “Women in Rental.”

Ashley McClain Autonomous Truck Operations Specialist Aurora Autonomous vehicle operator who consistently delivers Aurora’s commercial load in autonomy. Her work is a tremendous milestone for Aurora and for the broader trucking industry. Invaluable ambassador for self-driving technology.

Jennifer Meyer Group Logistics Manager Ryder Transportation Solutions Multiple promotions. Led and participated in several major projects during her 19 years.

Trailblazer who recently hired three women into key management positions.

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Britta Miano Director, Customer Excellence Red Classic Led team to three new multi-million dollar customer contracts. Expanded team from 20 to 45, resulting in multiple promotions and new opportunities for women within her company.

Veronica Millares Group Director Sales Strategy and Operations Ryder System Major architect of sales transformation between 2020 and 2021. Champion for diversity and has encouraged the Sales Organization to improve female recruiting, resulting in a 21 percent increase of women in her organization.

COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch

Top Women to Watch in Transportation Beth Paholke Fleet Leader Veriha Trucking Displays a willingness to step into the uncomfortable, push through and become a stronger leader for herself and her drivers. An example that women can do anything in the industry.

Emily Phillips Vice President, Advanced Solutions XPO Logistics Responsible for solution strategy and pricing for XPO’s Last Mile business unit. Helped grow XPO as an employer of choice for women who are looking for rewarding, challenging careers in transportation.

Jennifer Piatt Elite Support and Diversity Manager Stoops Freightliner Key contributing member on management team. Managed a project that allowed the company to make $45,000 in revenue and saved customers 3,342 hours in downtime.

Ginny Polach Director, Human Resources Sunset Transportation A prime example of empowering women in logistics. Increased the ratio of women to men in leadership roles by 50 percent. Fosters a positive working environment for not only women, but all.

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Kristi Randall Vice President of Operations Artur Express Built an organization that specializes in the advancement and participation of women in the transportation industry. 2021 WIT Accelerate! Conference speaker.

Mentored women who progressed to director roles within her company.

Melissia Reeves Managing Director – Field Operations FedEx Freight Selected to take part in FedEx’s Global Leadership Corps. A mentor to other women through Freight’s the Women’s Business Resource Team, and a champion for diversity and inclusivity.

Lorraine Reynoso Customer Care and Servicing Manager Crossroads Equipment Lease and Finance Lorraine’s philosophy of a “customer first” approach, coupled with rigorous departmental training, has allowed her team to excel in customer service and data quality.

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Becca Ridge VP of Client Services CDLLife Lead the company to recordbreaking growth. Increased annual revenue from 2020-2021 by 300 percent. Developed the implementation process for 16 separate lead generation products to help meet client’s needs.

www.WomenInTrucking.org 29

COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch

Top Women to Watch in Transportation Su Schmerheim Independent Owner-Operator Class Act Horse Transport Started her own company in the horse transport industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She enjoys her time on the road with her feline, Jake, the trucking cat!

Carrie Snider Controller Certified Express Runs her own trucking business in addition to her position at Certified Express. Strives daily to build up her team and guide them to become the best version of themselves.

Michelle Siebert Director of Finance Artur Express Successfully navigated her company through the uncertainties of 2020 and 2021. Sets the example for the accounting team, holding high standards, but treating everyone with respect and support.

Jenifer Snyder Co-Found and General Counsel Fluid Truck The key negotiator for one of the largest Series A fundraising rounds in Colorado history.

Multi-award winner and lead Fluid Truck to earn five awards in the last seven months.

Heather Smith Head of Operations Management Aurora Leads a team of more than 50 that was instrumental in developing and building an autonomous truck platform and a passenger vehicle program.

Prioritizes collaboration and inclusion, leaning on her team for their expertise and feedback.

Robyn Smith Operating Center Manager May Trucking Company Runs one of the largest, female-populated operating centers. Actively involved in the Colorado Motor Carrier’s Association and serves on the state’s Freight Advisory Committee.

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Susan Stencel Director, Customer Logistics Ryder Supply Chain Solutions Worked her way up to a leadership position during her 28-year career. One of the chief innovators who drives improvement and efficiencies across the operations. Focuses on the continued growth and empowerment of her people.

Kim Stewart Regional Vice President Hogan Transports Leads a staff that is 65 percent minority ran, with 45 percent being women. Through leadership, her team continues to grow and prosper within the company, exceeding goals and retaining drivers.

Lisa Strader Vice President of Expedited Operations Covenant Accomplished record results despite the industry obstacles in 2021. Leads with passion and is a mentor to many women within her department, actively working with them to meet their career goals.

Roberta Tamburrino President/Freight Audit and Payment AFS Logistics Leads an organization of 91 percent women. Takes personal responsibility to educate, empower and encourage the women in her organization in pursuit of their supply chain careers.

Angela Tracy Director of Enterprise Sales Penske Truck Leasing Multiple promotions. Helped pave the way for how the company develops and values women. 2021 Penske Pyramid Award winner, naming her the number one sales manager in the area.

Kendra Tucker Chief Operating Officer Truckstop.com Significantly decreased new carrier onboarding time for brokers with automated onboarding and compliance. Created an education program for new broker authorities.

Amisha Vadalia Senior Director of Operations Plus Leader in building industry-leading operations, safety processes, trainings and pilot programs that are keeping truck drivers and road users safe. Created a team culture that allows everyone to thrive in their own strengths.

Raquel Valle Vice President of People and Culture Venture Logistics Promoted in 2021 and became Venture’s first female executive.

Transformed HR processes and procedures, built relationships across operating entities and became a trusted advisor to the executive team.

Ginnapher Velez SVP of Asset Management Clean Harbors Initiated the implementation of female-tailored uniforms across the company. Possesses a strong safety record and continues to support, mentor and lead other female drivers and technicians in the industry.

Congratulations to Carrie Snider, Accounting Controller for Certified Express, Inc. Recently named a “2022 Top Woman To Watch in Transportation”

by WIT’s Redefining The Road.

cei-hwli.com

Congratulations

Michelle Mahoney!

Carter Logistics congratulates Michelle Mahoney, Assistant Director of Operations, for being named a “2022 Top Woman to Watch in Transportation” by WIT’s Redefining the Road. You inspire us all to do better each and every day!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MAVEN’S WIT “2022 Top Women to Watch in Transportation!”

ALEXA EKBERG Product Manager

PAIGE CREO Director of Marketing

Maven values your innovative approach to developing and promoting mission critical technology in trucking. carter-logistics.com

mavenmachines.com

www.WomenInTrucking.org 31

COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch

Top Women to Watch in Transportation Kathryn Venis Group Director of Customer Logistics Ryder System Regional lead in Ryder’s Women’s Leadership Forum.

Received Ryder’s Supply Chain Excellence Award. Leads a team of more than 100 professional transportation logisticians, managing more than $800 million in freight.

LouAnn Wagner CEO Texas Auto Carriers Successfully led her team through the COVID-19 pandemic by maintaining driver retention, increasing equipment acquisition and creating a stable financial foundation.

Tracy Walker Director of Safety Yellow Leads the Yellow Driving Academy. Participant in Women in Action Leadership Program, Leading for the Future Leadership Program and Guiding Pathways to Success Mentor Program.

Amy Wettstein Regional Vice President of Van Truckload Schneider Serving as a core team member of the Schneider Women’s Network, she is the first Enterprise Sales recipient to be awarded Schneider’s prestigious President’s Club Award for two consecutive years.

Michelle Wiggins Director of Sales ReedTMS Logistics Oversees the sales team and played a vital role in adding 40+ new clients and growing the existing client portfolio in the last year. Cofacilitated in multiple training initiatives.

Stacey Woods Senior Vice President, Human Resources Operations XPO Logistics, Inc. Lead initiatives focused on measuring employee engagement, tracking progress and enacting change. Recognized by several organizations.

Advocate and support system for her team.

Nikki Weaver, FedEx Freight

Shelly Willingham Manager of Engineering Yellow Leads Change Assurance activities for a One Operating Platform project. Participant in the Women in Action Leadership Program.

Numerous recognitions for her leadership.

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www.WomenInTrucking.org 33

FEATURE: Autonomous Trucking

The Future for Women in

Autonomous Trucking Experts from Daimler Trucks, Waymo, TuSimple and Gatik reveal autonomous is here and the opportunities for women in trucking are great.

“Autonomous trucks will shorten delivery times, reduce fuel consumption, and make the trip safer for all road users. The ability to deliver cross-country in around 2 days using autonomous trucks also creates opportunities to shift from using carbon intensive air transport. That would be a game changer to reduce carbon emissions.”

Shawn Kerrigan, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Plus

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Tech in the form of automatic transmissions, GPS and driver assist helped provide the first footholds for women in trucking. Tech in the form of autonomous vehicles will help inspire and enable the next great wave of women drivers.

The movement of women in trucking perfectly coincides with the industry’s move toward autonomous. Although the two trends are independent, they have the potential to become entwined.

Several industry experts from some of the world’s leading companies in autonomous technology paint a picture of job opportunity, enhanced safety, and efficiency that is here today—and no longer someday off in the future.

Autonomous trucks are a job creator.

“I think there’s really a whole bunch of opportunities that’ll open up even as we develop this technology,” says Frances Guo, Product Manager for Trucking at Waymo, an autonomous driving technology company.

The new needs she identifies include people to serve as technicians, support customers, inspect equipment, manage fueling, load and unload cargo, record deliveries and dispatch.

Industry observers agree that not only will new roles be created, old vacancies will be filled. The plain fact is that trucking can’t hire fast enough to get the 80,000 drivers the American Trucking Association estimates the industry needs.

“I would view this almost more as a complementary mode of transportation.

It’s not going to take out the drivers that we need today,” says Joanna Buttler, Director of Daimler Trucks North America’s Autonomous Vehicle Program. “It’s actually a supplement for the driver shortage that we see, and it’s an additional mode that is offered to keep goods moving 24/7. When drivers have to take a break and need to rest, you have a technology available that can keep going, so to speak.”

For that reason, autonomous technology could help alleviate hours of service pressures and inefficiencies by providing a workaround that keeps the wheels moving.

Also weighing in is Shawn Kerrigan, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Plus, a global provider of self-driving truck technology. “Plus’s driver-in automated trucking solution, PlusDrive, is already deployed to large fleet customers to help make the long-haul trucking job safer and better, which can help with recruitment and retention of drivers now. With autonomous trucks, drivers can focus on more regional or last mile deliveries which can keep them home and also elevate their jobs to focus on other high value tasks. Studies like the one by the DOT have also shown that autonomous trucks will raise annual earnings for all U.S. workers and increase total U.S. employment.”

AV could bring work-life balance to female drivers.

TuSimple Vice President of Business Development Vivian Sun believes there is an opportunity to create positions that are more beneficial to the lifestyles of drivers, especially in the area of long-haul driving

where it is most difficult to recruit because of the long hours away from family. “I think long term, our goal is to potentially work with our driver force and with our industry, to really find the driver drops,” Sun says. She thinks these especially demanding and hard-tohire-for jobs could shift to local pickup and delivery enabling drivers to go back home every night with the repetitive weeks on the road potentially being done by autonomous system.

Autonomous trucking executives agree that the long-term future for drivers looks bright because of AV. “To steal one of the quotes from a good friend of mine, Robert Brown who likes to say on this topic: ‘If a new driver wanted to enter the field today, we can guarantee that he or she will retire a driver in 40 or 50 years,’” Sun says.

Autonomous Fleets Could Be A Few Years Away Daimler’s Freightliner Cascadia, which leverages Waymo Driver AV technology, will be available to fleet customers in the coming years, according to Guo. Navistar and TuSimple announced in July 2021 that they will partner on an autonomous truck solution. According to Sun, they plan to have

the Navistar-TuSimple product in dealerships in 2024. Both partnerships are focused on the Class 8 segment and are currently running pilot programs.

Gatik specializes in light- and medium-duty trucks operating in the middle miles of the supply chain. They’ve seen a 450 percent increase in autonomous miles driven within the past two years, according to Gatik Operations Manager Brenda Mejia. She sees growth in ecommerce and consumers’ desires for everything cheaper, closer and faster as inspiring retailers’ growing interest in AV. The ability of Gatik’s autonomous vehicles to do fixed, repeatable runs within constrained environments has enabled Gatik’s AV solution to be applicable in the here and now, she says.

What’s Ahead for Women in Autonomous Trucking?

AV and women in trucking face a similar challenge to gaining widescale acceptance.

Bias. In both cases, the remedies are the same: demystifying misconceptions and coming together in one voice. Executives in the industry agree that by doing this, the industry can ensure a favorable regulatory reception into the future and a framework for implementing AVs at scale. n

www.WomenInTrucking.org 35

...WIT News Briefs.....................

Drivers: Join us at MATS to celebrate YOU After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Women In Trucking is excited to host the 11th Salute to Women Behind the Wheel on Friday, March 25th starting at 4 p.m. at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, KY. This free event is for all female CDL holders and their families and friends. “We created the Salute as part of our mission to celebrate the accomplishments of women. Seeing our female drivers, hearing their stories, and sharing their journey is very moving. We’ve missed seeing them and we can’t wait to celebrate them at MATS,” said Ellen Voie, WIT President & CEO. “The Salute

is WIT’s way of saying thanks for all you do and we salute you for being trailblazers and creating a path for generations of women to follow.” To accommodate the driver’s schedules, the Salute will be held on Friday afternoon, in lieu of Saturday, and will end promptly at 6 p.m. so attendees can participate in post-expo events that evening.

Drivers will mingle with the exhibitors at the expo, learn about their companies, products and/or services and receive lots of goodies!

Voie will address the group and share WIT’s news and updates on the industry. Also on

DRIVE FOR OD!

the agenda: Years of Driving recognition; Company Participation Award; the 2022 Women In Trucking Driver of the Year Award, sponsored by Walmart; the annual Salute Driver Group Photo to be taken in the complimentary red t-shirts in front of WITney, WIT’s new ambassador trailer; and “Door Prizes for Donations,” hosted by the Women In Trucking Foundation, with proceeds allocated to scholarships for women seeking financial aid for classroom or vocational training.

Don’t miss this special time to see old friends, meet new friends, and bask in the limelight. Invite your driver friends to join us for fun, refreshments, and our traditional semi cake and chocolate fountain! Stop by the WIT booth in the foyer at MATS to register and get your red shirt for the photo. For full details, see Schedule at womenintrucking.org/salute-to-womenbehind-the-wheel.

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36 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2022

Nov. 13–16, 2022 REGISTER NOW!

....CONGRATULATIONS WIT News Briefs.....................

LISA STRADER Covenant congratulates Lisa Strader for being named a “2022 Top Woman to watch in transportation” by WIT’s Redefining The Road. You inspire us all to do better each and every day.

LISA STRADER VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS

E M PAT H Y · S E R VA N T H O O D ·

VIRTUE www.WomenInTrucking.org 37

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www.WomenInTrucking.org 39

...WIT News Briefs.....................

Text

Snapshot of WIT Accelerate! Conference in November

Nearly 800 professionals in transportation and logistics gathered at the Dallas Sheraton Nov. 7-9 for peer networking and education on gender diversity issues and industry challenges and opportunities. Redefining the Road magazine gives you a visual snapshot of this industry event that brings together the people, knowledge-sharing, and best practices to strengthen gender diversity in the industry.

Thousands of brands, products and services driven by 106 sponsors and 79 exhibitors were featured at the WIT Accelerate! Expo.

A groovy group celebrates togetherness in trucking during the “Dancing through the Decades” evening, sponsored by TruNorth. Peace out.

More than 40 educational sessions, peer discussion groups and networking events enabled attendees to learn, share stories and best practices.

The Pink Ladies of the 1950s during “Dancing through the Decades.” Which woman is Rizzo, Marty, Frenchy, Jan and, of course, Sandy?

TruNorth was among 106 sponsors who demonstrated the value of their brand to attendees at the WIT Accelerate! Conference and Expo.

One of the greatest advantages to participating in the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo is the opportunity for peer-to-peer discussions and expanding your professional network.

40 42 REDEFINING REDEFININGTHE THEROAD ROADEdition Edition1 1| 2022 | 2022

...WIT News Briefs.....................

The WIT Accelerate! Truck and Technology tour featured a number of different types of equipment and innovative technologies in the trucking industry.

Yellow received the Most Attendees award. Pictured here are several members of their team with Ellen Voie, WIT President and CEO.

www.WomenInTrucking.org 41

...WIT News Briefs.....................

Want to get it in your In-Box? In your Mailbox?

Both?

Now you can.

You now can choose the format you’d like to receive Redefining the Road magazine. Choose the digital-only version to be green while getting your edition more quickly. Choose in-print if you prefer your traditional copy to carry in your truck or in your briefcase when traveling. Or if desired, choose both formats.

™

Just let us know your preference. Subscribe to the digital and/or print version at WomenInTrucking.org. Scroll to the bottom of the home page and click “Redefining the Road Magazine.”

Questions? Call 888-464-9482 or fill out “Drop us a line” on the website.

42 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2022

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WIT Publishes Whitepaper on SameGender Training Policy Same-gender cab sharing during over-theroad training has been a primary concern of current and prospective female truck drivers.

Because of this, the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has published a new whitepaper which identifies the nature of the problem and offers potential solutions.

After receiving their commercial driver’s license, aspiring professional drivers typically accompany an experienced one on their route to become more confident, safer, and capable on the road, says Ellen Voie, President and CEO: “This not only could mean working exclusively with a stranger in close quarters for long hours during the day, it also means the potential of needing to sleep in the same vehicle.”

The whitepaper outlines perspectives drivers hold specifically on same-gender training and its impact on female drivers in the industry. WIT recently conducted a driver safety and harassment survey to gain an understanding from professional drivers about their perceptions and experiences involving safety and harassment in North American trucking.

Given that 46 percent of drivers in the WIT study indicated that they have had an unwanted physical advance made toward them at least once and another 52 percent know of someone who had an unwanted physical advance made toward them, it is understandable why the prospect of cab sharing with a member of the opposite gender concerns many women, says Voie.

Download the whitepaper at WomenInTrucking.org.

www.WomenInTrucking.org 43 2022-0123 RTR-Kelly 2022 All About You WIT Ad.indd 1

1/25/22 1:23 PM

THANKS TO WOMEN IN TRUCKING PARTNERS: GOLD

Mark your calendar for these events!

Redefining the Road BUYER’S GUIDE

MARCH 19-22 Truckload Carrier’s Conference Las Vegas (Booth 440)

Advertisers in this Edition

MARCH 25-27 Mid-America Trucking Show Louisville, KY APRIL 6-9 TIA Capitol Ideas Conference San Diego, CA APRIL 7 Announcement of Distinguished Woman in Logistics MAY 9 Stifel Waste 360 Investor Summit Las Vegas, NV (Ellen speaking) MAY 10-12 National Waste & Recycling Association Conference Las Vegas, NV MAY 10 60 Minute Snapshot: Labor (Ellen on panel) MAY 11-13 Commercial Vehicle Training Association Conference Omaha, NE (Ellen Speaking) JULY 15-16 Expedite Expo Fort Wayne, IN (Ellen speaking)

SILVER

WIT ON THE AIR at SiriusXM 146 WOMEN IN TRUCKING SHOW WITH ELLEN VOIE

ACES.......................................................................25 AFS..........................................................................21 Artur Express.......................................................35 Badger State Western......................................41 Bob’s Discount Furniture................................29 Carter Logistics............................................21, 31 Certified Express, Inc........................................31 Covenant Logistics............................................37 Brenny Truck.......................................................39 Davis Express......................................................38 Expediter Services.............................................43 Grocery Haulers Incorporated......................30 Howes....................................................................32 Landstar................................................................38 Maven Machines................................................31 May Trucking......................................................25 NAPA......................................................................25 NASTC....................................................................39 Navistar......................................................... 18, C3 Old Dominion.....................................................36 PACCAR Parts........................................22, 23, 24 Performance Auto Transport........................20 Performance Foodservice..............................26 Peterbilt-PACCAR............................................. C2 Plus AI....................................................................33 Premier Trailer Leasing....................................20 Red Classic...........................................................19 Roehl......................................................................42 Ryder......................................................................27 S-2...........................................................................19 Schneider........................................................1, 39 Sunset Transportation.....................................28 Trimac...................................................................10, Tri-National............................................................5 Trinity.....................................................................10 Triumph Business Capital.................................2 Venture.................................................................15 Walmart............................................................... C4 XPO Logistics......................................................26 Yellow....................................................................21

Saturdays at 11a.m. Eastern

BRONZE Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems Drivers Legal Plan Florin | Roebig Trial Attorneys Frito-Lay TVC Pro-Driver United Site Services

MEDIA DC VELOCITY View our full partners list at womenintrucking.org/partners

44 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2022

Next up: April 11th, May 9th, June 13th, July 11th

For a full list of WIT Corporate Members, visit WomenInTrucking.org

Reach Qualified Buyers.

Advertise.

For more information, contact: Carleen Herndon: 615-696-1870 or Carleen@WomenInTrucking.org

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